What is the single most common cause of death in patients who die before reaching hospital after the onset of acute myocardial infarction?

• A Cardiogenic shock from extensive left ventricular dysfunction
• B Ventricular fibrillation ✓
• C Cardiac rupture with tamponade
• D Acute pulmonary embolism

Explanation

Primary ventricular fibrillation accounts for the majority of out-of-hospital deaths in acute myocardial infarction, occurring most frequently within the first hour of symptom onset. This is the rationale for immediate defibrillator access, community CPR training, and early ambulance systems. Cardiogenic shock and cardiac rupture are later in-hospital complications, and pulmonary embolism is not a direct complication of acute infarction in this setting.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.